Captain's orders.

(Jex POV)

Looking over the training grounds, I could see many of the guards from every division working hard to better themselves. The Star Sorcerers were doing close combat training, sharpening their techniques and training to fight without depending on magic.

The Wonderbolts were doing strength training, carrying heavy loads both on the ground and through the air. The large hay bales were helpful.

The Earth Knights were doing speed and stamina training, constantly doing runs from one end of the training grounds to the other while also keeping their stamina in check. It was grueling work for them.

The Predators were doing defence training. With how flighty Nighthunters usually were, it wasn't easy as their instincts were designed more for evasion then defence. Thankfully, their pride in their control allowed them to overcome it. They were doing well.

Each division was being coached by their own respective captains, which were all taking and giving advice to each other. It was going well.
With this, we'll be able to help and defend ourselves. And those who trust in us. I thought to myself as I heard someone walking up behind me.

"Princess Luna." I say, turning to face the nightly princess. "You're up early. I heard you are usually asleep around midday." I say as she comes to stand next to me.

"Yes. Thankfully, sleep magic is very versatile. Both in putting others to sleep and in keeping oneself awake. How goes the training?" She asks.

"Fine. They're doing great." I reply.

"Good." Luna says, looking down at the brave soldiers. I can see… something in her eyes.

"Is something wrong, princess? You look… like there is something on your mind." I say. She looks at me with surprise.

"I thought I was hiding it well. It seems my expression is in need of some work." Luna says.

"You know you don't have to hide anything from me, princess. I'm your friend." I tell her.

"…I feel as though I am missing something. Something… important that I've… forgotten or… left undone. I cannot figure out what, though. It is… troubling." Luna admits.

"I see. Do you want to talk about it?" I ask.

"Yes… but not here. Let us speak in my room." Luna says, walking to the castle.

"Alright. Give me ten minutes." I respond, going down to inform the other captains.

A little later, I arrived at princess Luna's quarters, seeing her sitting at a table.

"Princess?" I knocked on the open door.

"Enter, captain." She responded. I took a seat across from her.

"So, what's been troubling you?" I ask, going back on my knowledge of offering comfort to other soldiers that I've had to help get through tough spots.

"I… feel as though… I have someone walking in my footsteps. Someone who is always behind me but I can never find them." Luna says.

"Do you think you are being stalked?" I ask, concerned.

"No. It doesn't feel like the one following me has negative intentions. More, they are following me as a necessity. As if though, if they stop, something bad will happen." Luna describes.

"Like… some sort of guardian angel?" I ask.

"More like a sha… a devoted follower. But I feel as though they are trying to reach out to me and I can't hear what they're saying."

"I see. Well, maybe some sleep will help?" I recommend to her.

"I have tried to "sleep on it" as people say. The feeling doesn't go away. It only grows stronger with time." Luna responds.

"Well, when did the feeling start?" I ask.

"I am unsure. I believe it started after Diego healed me, after the monster invasion. But I only noticed it a week ago." Luna answers.

"I see." A disturbing thought then enters my head, Luna seeming to have the same.

"Do you think it could be Nightmare Moon again?" I ask her. She shakes her head.

"No. I remember the sensation she brought when she corrupted me. It was cold and constricting. At first I thought it was pleasant, like a cool hug. However, when she began to whisper in my ear about my insecurities and doubts, it became frigid and suffocating.

This sensation though, it feels more like someone is rubbing against my heels as I walk, poking me in the back as I stand or holding my shoulders as I sit. It feels urgent." She says, looking worried.

"Well, has anything helped to calm the feeling?" I ask, trying to see if I can figure out a way to help.

"Not really. The only thing that has done anything to help is walking through the dream world, helping to ease the nightmares of the citizens… and combat training." She answers.

"Combat training?" I ask.

"Yes. It sounds strange but during it and my nightly patrol, I feel at peace. The sensation is still there but it is calm and composed, instead of being urgent and… squally." Luna says.

"Well, maybe so combat training will help?" I offer.

"With whom?" Luna asks.

"Well, I can help. Plus, I still haven't perfected my techniques with my Blade. I think we both could use the practice." I say, pulling my Blade from its hidden sheath.

"Hmm. Yes, perhaps some action will help me. Then I can have some rest afterwards." Luna says, standing up. I stand with her, walking beside her to the door.

"Alright then. I believe that the training room inside the guard barracks is unattended. We can go there." I say.

"Lead the way, captain Shining."

Both of us arrive at the training room. I have my Blade in hand and Vanguard on my arm. Princess Luna has a large black and silver scythe, Midnight crescent, in her hands.

"So, are you ready?" I ask, standing across from Luna in a ready stance.

"Of course. Have at thee!" Luna yells, charging forward.
Here we go! I think as I block her slash with Vanguard. I feel the tremors from her blow.

"Whoa! You're no slouch!" I exclaim, surprised at her strength.

"Of course. I am a princess, not some dainty maiden!" Luna replies, slashing again.
Can't afford to give her a second. Awaken, my Blade! I think, feeling the powerful rush of energy from my weapon.

My Blade glows purple as it grows in size, forming into a greatsword, the large weapon feeling like a feather in my hand. Luna smiles as I parry her strike.

"Now begins a true battle!" Luna shouts, clothing herself in magic. She darts at me, scythe spinning like a wheel as she constantly keeps moving.
Huh. Reminds me of what happened in my duel with the commander. Thankfully, I've learned from then!

Luna attacks me from the side, aiming for my back. I bring Vanguard up between the two of us, blocking her attack and forcing her to change direction.
Let's see if I can do this again.

"You better be ready to dodge, princess!" I call out as I focus on the strength from my blade.
Nine lives, shooting the hundred heads! I think as I teleport in front of Luna, Blade already moving. In less than a second, I've slashed at her nine times.
Something's wrong.

"A good attempt but not good enough!" Luna shouts from behind me, her body unharmed but her magic now gone.

"A magic shield?" I say as I parry another strike.

"The spell I cast on my body did more than enhance my speed, it also protected me. Now, again!" Luna calls as her body is again covered in magic as she charges at me, her scythe spinning again.

"!bɿɒυϱ ɿɘɈɒɘɿӘ" I incant, making a large force field in front of me that blocks Luna's charge. She places her hand on my shield, her magic glowing.

"Destroy." Luna says in an eerie voice, my shield instantly shattering, to my bewilderment.

"What?" I say as Luna punches me in the chest, sending my tumbling and denting my chest plate. "Ow. That was one hard hit."

"Oh, my apologies. Are you alright captain?" Luna asks, worried that she went too far.

"No, no. I'll be fine. Might have a bruise later though. Now, xiᆿ." I say, channeling my magic through my shield, fixing my armour. "There. Now, let's go!" I yell, charging at Luna this time. She parries my downward slash, her smile back on her face as her horn and eyes glow with midnight blue magic.

"Ha ha! Good. Now, on your guard captain. The battle continues!" Luna declares with giddiness. The feeling is infectious as I smile too, racing to confront her.

(Twenty minutes later)

"Ha… ha… al…right. That's… all… I can… do. I'm puffed." I say, as I lay down (collapse) on the ground.

"Ha. Yes, that was quite the battle. Good show, Captain Armour." Luna replies, breathing calmly.

"You… hardly sound… tired. You couldn't have… enjoyed it that… much." I pant.

"I am an Ascended. My magic is more closely intertwined with my body and I can draw on natural magic to replenish myself. That is why I am not as physically tired as you are, captain." Luna replies. "But do not be mistaken, I thoroughly enjoyed that battle. Thank you for making me feel better." Luna says, bowing her head.

"No problem. I enjoyed that too. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go recheck on the troop training." I say, getting up and preparing to put away my gear.

"Very well. I do believe I should turn in for the day. I have a dream patrol tonight. Good day, Shining." Luna says, making her way out.

"And good night, Luna." I say. Luna smiles as she returns to her room, her dark blue eyes glowing as she takes to her bed.

Author's Note

What's this? Plot development!